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Grants Pass Downs Cancels 2022 Meet

Grants Pass Downs will not hold a 2022 meeting due to lack of horses. The meet was initially announced in February.

“As a result of the Oregon Racing Commission's vote to deny an operating license to The Flying Lark, Grants Pass Downs has lost its economic engine,” said Travis Boersma, owner of Grants

Pass Downs. “While we remained hopeful we would be able to host a viable race meet, the uncertainty here and across the industry has resulted in a drastic reduction of race horses at Grants Pass Downs. At this point, it's clear running the meet isn't feasible.”

Grants Pass Downs became privately funded by Boersma beginning in 2019. The track, race meet and purses were slated to be funded by profits from The Flying Lark entertainment venue.

“This is the result of the state and its leadership's lack of understanding of, and appreciation for, the equine industry and the needs of rural Oregon. I believe this is just the beginning of a ripple effect that will be felt in communities throughout the state due to the actions of leadership,” said Boersma.

The cancellation of the race meet is expected to eliminate approximately 50 jobs during the racing season, in addition to the more than 200 lost with the denial of The Flying Lark.

“Saving horse racing in Oregon has always been one of my top priorities,” added Boersma. “Moving forward, it's my sincere hope the horsemen's associations, private investors and the state can come together to find a path to continuing this sport.”

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Help Wanted: Grants Pass Downs Seeks Director Of Racing

Grants Pass Downs in Oregon is seeking a new Director of Racing.

The Director of Racing is responsible for the condition of the racing facilities in general, and specifically the condition of the track. The Director of Racing ensures the track and backside are built to standards with an eye to the safety of the horses, jockeys, horsemen and horsewomen and staff. The person in this position oversees construction and maintenance of all types and to all facilities. The Director of Racing ensures compliance with all matters pertaining to racing.

We are looking for individuals who can work outdoors in all weather conditions, who can stand and walk for several hours at a time, and able to work in the vicinity of horses. We need someone who can work a flexible schedule based on business needs which may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The job is conditioned upon the selected applicant obtaining an ORC license and passing a drug test.

Grants Pass Downs is a fun, friendly environment. We work hard and have a good time doing it.

To apply, send a resume to careers@theflyinglark.com

The post Help Wanted: Grants Pass Downs Seeks Director Of Racing appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Oregon Tribes Ask Governor For Deeper Examination Of Historical Racing Plan At Grants Pass Downs

Six regional tribal operators have asked Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) for a more thorough examination of the plans to add a group of 250 historical racing terminals to Grants Pass Downs, reports Casino.org.

Track owner Travis Boersma has released plans to build “The Flying Lark,” a combination of space for the historical racing terminals, a restaurant, a sports bar, and a banquet area.

The tribes' argument revolves around the question of whether or not historical racing can be considered pari-mutuel wagering, especially the latest technology. Historical racing has been legal in the state since 2012, but only at racetracks.

Previously, Gov. Brown had indicated that she would defer to the Oregon Racing Commission about the project.

“The state's regulatory framework has not evolved to reflect new technology or its impacts on the public,” the tribes wrote. “We are at a critical moment where the state is about to approve the largest expansion of state-regulated gambling in decades without public or legislative input.”

Optimism High Ahead Of Grants Pass Downs’ Fall Meet

It's nearly post time for the fall meeting at Grants Pass Downs.

Coming off a record-setting spring/summer meeting, optimism is high as Oregon's premier racing facility begins an 18-day fall meeting Monday, Sept. 20, extending through Tuesday, Nov. 9. The eight-week season features racing every Monday and Tuesday at 5:15 p.m., and Sunday racing programs on Sept. 26 and Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.

Last year's fall meet was enormously successful, establishing records for largest total handle, average handle, average field size, and total purses paid. The momentum carried into 2021, with the 17-day spring/summer meeting establishing new records for total handle ($6,919,434) and average handle ($407,026).

“By any measure, our spring/summer meet was a great success, and I am optimistic this fall will see even better results,” said Grants Pass Downs President Randy Evers. “The track is in beautiful condition and the horses are really enjoying their cool morning workouts. Race night sponsorships are at an all-time high and we look forward to providing fans with excellent customer service and a fun night at the races.”

Since the permanent closure of Portland Meadows in 2019, Grants Pass Downs has become the epicenter of Oregon racing, securing a 99-year lease agreement with the Josephine County Fairgrounds.

Under the leadership of Evers and CEO Travis Boersma, Grants Pass Downs has made substantial upgrades throughout the 64-acre facility located west of downtown Grants Pass:

• Installing a new state-of-the-art safety rail to ensure the welfare of riders and horses and raise the standard of the meet.

• Widening the track to improve conditions for racing, with an additional 800 tons of sand laid in anticipation of wet fall weather.

• Adding a new chute making possible six-furlong thoroughbred races and 440-yard quarter horse races.

• Installing lights for evening racing.

• Building the Flying Lark restaurant and entertainment venue on the southwest corner of the Fairgrounds.

Ladies have dominated the jockeys' ranks at recent meets with Joree Scriver edging Mckenzie King for both the 2020 fall title and 2021 spring/summer crown. In fact, women jockeys finished first, second and fifth (Taylor Smith) at the 2021 spring/summer meet.

Amongst trainers, Quinn Howey has operated the track's most successful outfit, capturing last year's fall title 12-9 over Jorge Rosales and the 2021 spring/summer crown 13-9 over Billy Christian.

Several important stakes races enhance the action with the $25,000 guaranteed Grants Pass Mile—the state's richest and most prestigious event for Thoroughbreds—set for Monday, Nov. 9. Quarter Horses also are prominent at Grants Pass Downs, with the $40,000-added Far West Futurity scheduled Monday, Nov. 8.

Two stakes are scheduled opening week—$14,600 Siskiyou Stakes for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up Monday and $13,000-added Applegate Stakes for 3-year-olds and up Tuesday. Both are 5 ½ furlongs.

Monday's opener features eight races, five Thoroughbred and three Quarter Horse.

2021 fall racing dates: Monday, Sept. 20, 5:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 21, 5:15 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 27, 5:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5:15 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 4, 5:15. P.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 5, 5:15 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 11, 5:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 12, 5:15 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 17, 1 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 18, 5:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 19, 5:15 p.m.; Monday, Oct. 25, 5:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Oct. 26, 5:15 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 1, 5:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 2, 5:15 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 8, 5:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 9, 5:15 p.m.

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